Recognized as one of the most customer-friendly hospitals in the United States

Riverside Regional Medical Center is one of 36 hospitals in America to receive this year's Hospital of Choice Award from the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers (AAHCP). The award recognizes America's most customer-friendly hospitals.

“Our employees, physicians and volunteers are totally focused on the patient. We are very proud of this national honor,” Downey said.

AAHCP automatically recognizes US News and World Reports Honor Roll of American hospitals. These twelve hospitals were recognized for their comprehensive excellence in six or more specialties. AAHCP staff also made unannounced observations of outstanding hospitals identified from a national nursing survey. Mr. Parr stated that winning hospitals must display a remarkable proclivity toward quality care, customer satisfaction and community service.

Other honored hospitals include the Cleveland Clinic, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts General Hospital and Johns Hopkins. Four hospitals in Virginia received the 2005 award.